Hawking Effect in 2-D String Theory

Abstract

We use the matrix model to study the final state resulting from a coherent high energy pulse in 2-d string theory at large string coupling. We show that the outgoing signal produced via reflection off the potential has a thermal spectrum, with the correct temperature and profile to be identified with Hawking radiation. We confirm its origin as geometrical radiation produced by the gravitational background. However, for a total incoming energy M, the amount of energy carried by the thermal radiation scales only as log(M). Most of the incoming energy is returned via the transmitted wave, which does not have a thermal spectrum, indicating the absence of macroscopic black hole formation.